Fudge Bars Taste Test

F udge bars have long been the go-to summer treat of the calorie-conscious beachgoer as well as anyone under the age of, well, 92. At 100 calories or less, these frozen pops offer icy relief on a hot summer day while satisfying a craving for chocolate.

Finding the brands that are biggest on taste is a daunting endeavor. In recent years, the freezer case has exploded with fudge-bar options. Today the array is overwhelming: dairy-free pops made with soy and coconut bases, no-sugar varieties, and the tried-and-true classics.

So which fudge bar is top of the pops? Read on to find our picks for the yummiest of them all.

Best Fudge Pop Overall

Pros: Not only does this choice have live probiotic cultures, but as one judge stated: "It tastes like dark chocolate pudding! Not too icy and not too creamy, either." The editors preferred it because it remained frozen and wasn't doughy like some of the others.

Cons: Made with corn syrup

First Runner-Up, Dairy-Free

Pros: This organic pick omits corn syrup and has the taste of creamy hard-scoop ice cream, coating the mouth after the first bite. It contains 3 grams of fiber and doesn't taste artificial and overly sweet like some of its competitors.

Cons: Higher in calories than its competitors

First Runner-Up, No Sugar Added

Pros: "Such chocolaty goodness, I can't believe it has fewer calories than a banana!" said one taster. Because it didn't taste saccharine sweet, all the judges were surprised to find that this pop is made with Splenda. Many enjoyed its silky and creamy texture, and others, its generous portion size.

Cons: Not ideal for those who dislike artificial sweeteners

The Other Contenders: The Bottom Three

Carbsmart might have half the amount of carbs as the others, but that's not reason enough to eat it. It's too sweet, and one editor compared its taste to that of a tongue depressor. Tofutti looked fudgy but slimy, and it tasted sour with a peculiar aftertaste. The organic So Delicious Soy variety tasted wheaty, almost hemplike.